There are some good shops out there and then there are definitely some bad ones. Usually it’s best to assume that a mechanic is out to take advantage of you. Then you’re sure to be safe either way. Even though this approach may seem negative, it is the best way to make sure that you are negotiating fairly and getting what you paid for. After finding the right mechanic who is trustworthy, you can breathe easy.
For anyone driving a truck for a living, you know that with lots of miles comes lots of potential repairs and the need for maintenance. Additionally, when relying on a single vehicle for long hauls, you’ll need a really good mechanic who is reliable and trustworthy. This may include a dealer or local mechanic. If your dealer or primary mechanic honestly believes that you’ll come back, they are much less likely to take advantage of you. Its a good idea to mention that you are looking for a reliable mechanic that you can build a long term relationship with. If the dealer believes you’re there for just a single fix, they are less likely to treat you as a long term customer.
When considering taking your truck to a mechanic, always ask for an estimate before work begins. In addition, get a printed estimate of work to be accomplished. Once you have an estimate, phone your dealer and ask them for a quote on the same job. It’s best to have a detailed estimate with approximate times and costs noted. This makes for a great negotiation resources and encourages your local dealer to work with you on cost of repair and the labor they are charging you for.
After you’ve finished your negotiating, make it perfectly clear that you do not expect any changes to the estimate. Get a firm commitment on price and let your mechanic know that the price is firm. It’s worth repeating that you are only paying the price quoted and not a cent more. Through repetition, the mechanic will know that additional costs are unacceptable. Let him know that you are only willing to pay the original price quoted.
As a company that sells a a large number of used Volvo trucks, we know what problems occur on a frequent basis. Many truck owners believe that if something goes wrong, you need to take the truck to a Volvo dealer. This used to be true many years ago but has changed significantly over the last few years as technology has improved and mechanics have broadened their expertise. Today you have many more options than ever before in terms of where to bring your truck for repairs. You can still use the techniques described in this article to avoid getting taken advantage of, and get back on the road for the lowest possible price.
Joe Hoovestol is the owner of Lone Mountain Truck Leasing which offers commercial truck leasing and semi truck financing on today’s most popular trucks. Learn more about being an owner operator with the help of trucking professionals.
